Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures / www.intothespiderverse.movie

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is brought to you by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the creators behind “The Lego Movie” and “21 Jump Street,” and stars Shameik Moore as Miles Morales. This film serves as an origin story for Miles but also includes a huge voice cast of Spider-People from alternate dimensions to fight with him along the way.

There were so many things to love about this film from the soundtrack, to the cast, to the humor, that its genuinely tough to find a place to start. The most memorable thing is probably the animation style. This movie looks incredible and is animated like a comic book come to life, allowing them to do really cool things in the action sequences. Visually, there is not one frame that isn’t cool to look at and because of that, I think this one needs to be seen on the big screen.

Lots of movies are cool to look at, but it’s great characters that separate the good from the great and this movie is full of them. If you are really familiar with Spider-Man’s comic book history then you’ll be familiar with most of the characters when they arrive, but this is also a great introduction for fans who don’t know them yet. Lord and Miller’s style lends itself to meta humor and self-referential dialog and there is a ton of Spidey lore for them to play with. Hardcore fans should be scanning the entire frame for Easter eggs or references because there are plenty, but they come and go quickly.

Usually the greatest superhero movies are led by outstanding villains, but this time around, Moore’s performance as Morales and Jake Johnson’s performance as Peter Parker are what put this film over the top. This is a perfect introduction to Morales that will leave you wanting more of him and this was a perfect way to use Parker. At this point audiences are very familiar with Parker and his story so the incarnation of him we get in this film was a great way to mix it up and show us something new. The amazing thing is that you leave the theater caring more about both Morales and Parker without feeling like either was shortchanged.

In the end, there’s not a whole lot to say about this one. It’s funny, fast-paced, action-packed, well-acted, amazing to look at and even heartbreaking at times. Sony has dropped the ball with Spider-Man movies in the past but if this is the direction they’re going with the franchise for the near future, we should all be excited. Definitely check it out.

Griffin’s score: 10/10

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CATA Building Construction students Dusty Burney, Payton Oden and Colton Robison install a birdhouse as Woodland Haus Assisted Living Director Mary Briscoe and residents Billie J. Parker and Elva Cucunato look on.  (Photo courtesy Mike Burkett/CATA)

CULLMAN - This past week, Cullman Area Technology Academy (CATA) SkillsUSA club members from the school’s Building Construction program offered up a little community service for the residents at Woodland Haus Assisted Living in Cullman.  SkillsUSA Club President Dusty Burney, Payton Oden and Colton Robison installed birdhouses in flower beds around the property, to the delight of residents.

Building Construction teacher/SkillsUSA advisor Mike Burkett told The Tribune, “Community service is an integral part of the SkillsUSA curriculum at CATA, and we encourage all of our students to participate, not only for the technical learning, but in becoming an overall good person and giving back to your community, also known as leadership. These three students have consistently excelled in community service and leadership, and I am very proud to be their teacher.”

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The CCCDC presents a check to the Town of Baileyton; left to right are Sen. Garlan Gudger, Baileyton Mayor Johnny Dyar, Rep. Randall Shedd, CCCDC Board Member Bradley Williams and Rep. Corey Harbison (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN -  At its meeting in November, the Cullman County Community Development Commission (CCCDC) awarded $91,500 in grant money to eight recipients. On Friday, the CCCDC presented those grant checks at the Cullman County Economic Development office.

Grants recipients included:

• Parkside School, $12,000 for 48 Chromebooks
• Cullman Fire Rescue, $12,000 for chest compression devices
• Town of Baileyton, $7,500 for lighting on walking trails in town park
• Childhaven, $12,000 for educational expenses
• West Point Volunteer Fire Department, $12,000 for two chest compression devices
• Cullman Regional Foundation/Cullman EMS, $12,000 for cardiac monitors and defibrillators
• Bethsadia Volunteer Fire Department, $12,000 for community shelter grant match
• Logan Volunteer Fire Department, $12,000 for community shelter grant match

Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman; Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope; Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview; and CCCDC member Bradley Williams were on-hand to present checks to recipients.

Shedd said, “The significance of us being involved is that we passed the legislation to set this up. I’ve got four counties in my district and two of them have legislative offices that cost about $200,000 a year to operate. We don’t have that here. Thanks to (Cullman County Economic Development Director) Cherrie (Haney) and her staff here for helping us when we need it. If it wasn’t for that and the fact that we don’t spend $200,000 a year on legislative offices, y’all probably wouldn’t have those checks. The community projects are what I like to see.”

Added Harbison, “It’s a tough task to be on that board. I do appreciate you all.”   

Maria Stanford, executive director of the Cullman Regional Foundation said she is very grateful for the grant the Foundation received.

Dr. Jim Wright, executive director of Childhaven, shared, “This grant is a blessing. It will go toward our educational program and educational support. Childhaven is one of Cullman’s largest nonprofits and we are almost 100 percent donation funded.”

When asked what Childhaven’s current needs are, Wright replied, “Any need you might think of, we probably have it. Anyone interested in how to help is welcome to call.”

Baileyton Mayor Johnny Dyar thanked the CCCDC saying, “The CCCDC- everyone has a chance with this. It’s not political. It’s the fairest way I know of. I’m blessed, and my town is blessed. Thank you.” 

CCCDC board members are appointed by the Cullman area’s state legislative delegation.

CCCDC members are:

• Cherrie Haney - appointed by Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman
• Joe Golden - appointed by Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview
• Bradley Williams - appointed by Rep. Corey Harbison, R- Good Hope
• Josh Speakman - appointed by Rep. Scott Stadthagen, R-Hartselle
• Champ Crocker, chairman - appointed by the legislative delegation

Funding for CCCDC grants comes from taxes-  Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in lieu of taxes and beer taxes. Grants are capped at $12,000 and are not issued for more than that amount except under extraordinary circumstances, which must be approved by the legislators.

To learn more or to submit a grant application, visit http://co.cullman.al.us/cccdc/cccdc.html.

The commission will meet next on Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. at Cullman City Hall.

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Cullman County Commission on Aging Director Dusty Baker, right, points to a winner at Friday’s annual Christmas party for seniors at the Cullman Civic Center. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN -  Approximately 850 Cullman area seniors braved the rain to pack the Cullman Civic Center Friday morning for the Cullman County Commission on Aging’s annual Christmas party. Santa and Buddy the Elf greeted the partygoers and a live band played country and bluegrass favorites.

Cullman County Commission on Aging Director Dusty Baker was all smiles as he watched the guests dancing, laughing and having a good time. 

“Celebrity” servers for the lunch included Holly Pond Mayor Bill Oliver, Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett, Rep. Randall Shedd, Vinemont Mayor Reggie Dodson, Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick, Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, Cullman County Commission Chairman Kenneth Walker, Commissioner Garry Marchman, Commissioner Kerry Watson, Baileyton Mayor Johnny Dyar, Cullman County Circuit Clerk Lisa McSwain, Cullman City Councilman Johnny Cook, Dodge City Mayor Tawana Canada, Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs, Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Communications Director Bradley Williams, Cullman County Circuit Judge Gregory Nicholas, and several others, all of them donning red aprons to help serve the seniors. 

Door prizes were given to the oldest veteran in attendance (97), Cullman’s state Senior Games winners, oldest man (97) and woman (93), and longest-married couple, married for 80 years. 

Drawings for door prizes had everyone on the edge of their seats waiting for their number to be drawn. The Rowdy Bunch from the Hanceville Senior Center had a lot of fun. Dressed in matching shirts and festive elf hats with elf ears, the Rowdy Bunch loved watching everyone as their numbers were called, but one lovely lady added, “I just wish everyone could win!” 

After dozens of prizes were given, the big prizes were brought out. Gloria Williams of Freedom Insurance Agency donated two $250 prizes and one $500 grand prize. Another special prize was a 50-inch Sharp flat screen television.

Vera Robinette of Cullman won the TV, laughing, “I guess I have an older television for sale now!”

Jane Clark of Cullman won the $500 grand prize. She was excited to share the moment with her friends Cookie Day and Judy Nelson.

An ecstatic Clark said, “I’ll be able to put a few more gifts under the tree for my seven grandchildren. I’m going shopping.”

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Good Hope's Cole Maddox put up 23 points in the Raider's 69-65 loss to Oneonta Friday night. (Martha Needham for the Cullman Tribune)

GOOD HOPE– The Raiders hosted Oneonta Friday night for a pair of huge area games early on in the season. In the girls' game, the Lady Raiders dropped a tough one to the Lady Redskins 47-35 and in the boys' game, Good Hope fell just short to Oneonta 69-65.

Oneonta 47 - Good Hope 35 (varsity girls)

Good Hope got off to a slow start offensively as they trailed 15-3 after one, but Rudi Derrick got red-hot for the Lady Raiders, scoring 14 of her team's 16 points in the second period. They outscored Oneonta 16-11 in the quarter to cut the deficit to just seven at 26-19 at the break but they couldn't sustain that momentum going into the second half and wound up falling 47-35. Good Hope is now 1-7 overall and 0-3 in the area.

Rudi Derrick finished the game with 22 points for the Lady Raiders. Savanna Burney added six points. Abby Neighbors finished with four points and Savanna Derrick ended up with three points.

Oneonta 69 - Good Hope 65 (varsity boys)

Cole Maddox was red-hot to start out the contest for Good Hope as he scored the game's first seven points. After that, it went back-and-forth between both teams and the Raiders took a 21-17 lead into the second period. After Oneonta made it 21-19 to start out the quarter, Good Hope went on a 13-0 run as Maddox, Justin Turner and Drew Maddox (five points) each hit one from deep. Noah Fendley also hit a shot to help widen their lead to 34-19. 

However, it was the Redskins that finished the first half strong on an 11-3 run that cut the Raider lead to seven at 37-30. Things went from bad to worse for Good Hope as Oneonta started the second half on a 12-2 run to take a 42-39 lead. The lead got pushed to double digits at 53-43, but the Raiders made a push before the end of the quarter to get back in the game as Cole Maddox drilled another three, then Tanner Malin hit a layup to make it a 53-48 game going into the final period.

Good Hope tied the game at 53 to start out the quarter as both teams went back and forth. Oneonta jumped back in front with a 65-58 lead, but Fendley drilled a three to make it a four-point game. Eli Phares later added one to cut it to 67-64 but a pair of Redskins free throws made it 69-64. Maddox got fouled while shooting a three, but only made one of three free throws to make it a 69-65 contest. They wouldn't get any closer as they fell 69-65. 

Maddox finished the game with 23 points, four rebounds, and a steal for Good Hope (6-2, 2-1). Fendley added 14 points, six rebounds, and five steals. Drew Maddox ended up with eight points. Phares and Michael Lowe (four rebounds) each added six points. Good Hope will travel to Danville next Monday. 

Other Friday night scores:

Fairview 54 – Ashville 27 (varsity girls)

Fairview 52 – Ashville 30 (varsity boys)

Cold Springs 76 – West End 22 (varsity girls)

Cold Springs 55 – West End 35 (varsity boys)

Cullman 60 – Huntsville 30 (varsity girls)

Huntsville 47 – Cullman 35 (varsity boys)

Holly Pond 47 – New Hope 6 (varsity girls)

Holly Pond 84 – New Hope 81 (OT) (varsity boys)

Brindlee Mountain 43 – Vinemont 32 (varsity girls)

Brindlee Mountain 72 – Vinemont 56 (varsity boys)

West Point 80 – Lawrence County 39 (varsity girls)

Lawrence County 68 – West Point 53 (varsity boys)

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West Point took top honors in the high school tournament, defeating regular season champion Good Hope by 20 points. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)

HANCEVILLE - Over the course of two Fridays, Cullman County’s high school and middle school scholars’ bowl tournaments were held at Wallace State in Hanceville.  Of little surprise to anyone, perennial powerhouse West Point took first place in both events, though the high school championship came down to a nail-biter against Good Hope--the undefeated regular season champion and only team to score a regular season win against WPHS in six years--that set off a heart rate alert on WPHS coach Lee Henry’s smart watch mid-match.

High school teams

First place - West Point

Second place - Good Hope

Third place - Holly Pond

Holly Pond and Vinemont tied in the win/loss count, but Holly Pond’s win in the head-to-head match between the two teams broke the tie.

High school individuals (All County Team)

First place - Garrett Willingham, West Point, 440 points

Second place - Peyton Hall, Good Hope, 290 points

Third place - Hunter Mann, Holly Pond, 270 points

Fourth place - Dakota Brunetti, Hanceville, 260 points

Fifth place - Tyler Kraus, Good Hope, 220 points

Middle school teams

First place - West Point

Second place - Hanceville

Third place - Vinemont

Hanceville and Vinemont tied in the win/loss count, but Hanceville won the head-to-head match between the two teams.

Middle school individuals (All County Team)

First place - Cody Smith, Cold Springs, 350 points

Second place - Judd Douglas, West Point, 340 points

Third place - Eli Taylor, West Point, 320 points

Fourth place - Sydney Pedalino, Harmony, 310 points

Fifth place - Levi McDonald, Parkside, 280 points

Stay with The Cullman Tribune for coverage of the Cullman area’s Scholars’ Bowl teams as far as they go through upcoming district, regional, state and national competitions.  

For team and high school individual photos, see below:

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The Cullman Police Department’s annual Shop with a Cop event took place Saturday morning. Pictured is Chief Kenny Culpepper. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN - On Saturday morning, officers from the Cullman Police Department (CPD), with a little help from the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and other volunteers, reached out to touch families in need just in time for Christmas.  They met local children at Chick-fil-A to take them shopping at Wal-Mart for the CPD’s annual “Shop with a Cop” Christmas event. Sgt. Adam Clark coordinated officers and volunteers, who brought 13 children to the store. While they got down to business, CPD Chief Kenny Culpepper and others shopped on behalf of 10 clients of the Cullman County Center for the Developmentally Disabled (CCCDC) Margaret Jean Jones Center.  

Thanks to contributions from the community, the department was able to shop with a budget of $250-300 per child.  Each one got personal help choosing clothing before, of course, heading to the toys. It’s not unusual for kids to have to be reminded that these gifts are for them; many want to use the money to shop for other members of their families.

Once they finished shopping, officers, volunteers and kids returned to Chick-fil-A for lunch.  When the children had been picked up, officers returned to CPD headquarters to sort and bag the purchases.  This coming week, parents will be able to come by and pick up the packages to take home and wrap for Christmas.

The event serves a dual purpose: to bring a little Christmas cheer to children and families in the community who might have trouble finding it on their own, and to give kids a chance to interact with law enforcement officers in a low-stress and high-fun environment.

Clark told The Tribune previously, “We really want this to be a one-on-one with the officer, as much as possible, so the kid has a good experience with the police officer.  Our goal is to make sure these kids have a positive outlook on the officers. We just want them to know us as regular human beings, not just police officers. We are here to help them; it’s what we’re here for.”

On Saturday, Clark added, “We just want to thank our business owners and our citizens in Cullman.  Without them, we couldn’t do this. I mean, all our funds are provided by mostly our business owners and some private citizens.  And we just appreciate the community we live in, and we’re thankful that they help support all our community policing events.”

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Good Hope's Bailey Quick (2), Isaiah Green (15) and Matt Dixon (44) were selected as this year's County Offensive, Defensive and Overall MVP, respectively. Also pictured is Good Hope senior Preston Bagwell (3) (Nick Griffin for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN COUNTY - This year’s All-County Football Teams, voted on by area coaches, were announced recently along with this season’s top awards, which were swept by the Good Hope Raiders after a stellar 2018 campaign. Two-way star Matt Dixon was selected as the Overall MVP after helping lead the best team in the county on both sides of the ball and even improving as the season progressed. In the Raiders’ three playoff games alone, Dixon racked up 510 yards on the ground and seven total touchdowns.

Dixon had two teammates take home MVP honors as well. His partner in the backfield, quarterback Bailey Quick, was selected as the Offensive MVP and defensive end Isaiah Green was named this season’s Defensive MVP. Along with Dixon, Green was able to make a big impact on both sides of the ball, becoming a big part of the Raiders’ running attack as the season progressed. Quick was instrumental in the success Good Hope enjoyed this season as the leader of the offense.

All three of this year’s MVPs were critical in helping put together the Raiders’ 11-2 season and reaching the quarterfinal round of the state playoffs for the first time since 1997. They were led by the 2018 Coach of the Year, Alan Scott.

Scott coached a Good Hope team littered with All County selections this season, but his trio of MVPs was impossible to ignore.

“Obviously all three of those guys deserved the rewards they received today and I’m thankful that they were able to. Each one of them meant a tremendous amount to this team. This is a team sport and I love that part of it because everybody contributes from ninth graders all the way up to the seniors, but these guys in particular really stood out as far as what they were able to accomplish offensively and defensively and how they played the game,” Scott said. “I just couldn’t be prouder.”

Scott was happy to brag on his star players from this season for their performance, their effort and their accolades, starting with one of the best defensive players in the county.

“Isaiah has worked very hard to be a good defensive end. Coach (Justin) Ray, his position coach, has really worked with him like he does all the guys, and Isaiah just seemed to always be around the ball making plays this year. He ended up with 13 sacks so he just kind of had a nose for the ball and had a feel for how the play was developing, and that is something that you can’t really coach,” Scott said. “That’s instinctive, and he just found a way to get to the quarterback on those sacks and he had an additional seven tackles for loss on top of that. He just played his position and didn’t try to do more or less than what the play called for.”

Scott looks for a lot of intangibles as well as talent in his quarterbacks and this year he had a senior under center with all of those things and more. As the offense continued to evolve, Quick evolved as well, helping to lead the Raiders on their postseason run.

“The quarterback, in my opinion, has to be very tough mentally and physically, they have to handle a lot. With the way offense has progressed even in the last 10 years, there’s a lot that gets put on the quarterback’s shoulders as far as making the right reads,” Scott said. “We ran the option a lot this year and for him to be able to understand what the defense was giving him and look around pre-snap to see what was available if we were trying to throw the football, to make all those decisions, I thought he did an excellent job there and you’ve got to have a guy there at quarterback that the kids believe in and they definitely felt that way about Bailey, rightfully so. He’s a very confident player and I thought he handled it very well.”

Perhaps the most impactful player on the field for the Raiders this year was the season’s Overall MVP, Dixon, who was as much of a force off the field for Good Hope during his career as he was on it.

“Matt played on both sides of the ball and on several of our special teams and he’s just a great young man, has been since I’ve been at Good Hope. When I came here, everybody told me that he was a special young man and they were right,” Scott said. “He never misses practice, he’s always there, always ready to go, has a good attitude; he’s buddies with almost everyone on the team and he’s not one of those superstar type of kids that feels above everyone else. He wants to work hard and do all the little things and there was nobody that had more fun at practice than he did. It’s just fun to see and we’re going to miss him.”

Offensive MVP: Bailey Quick, Good Hope

Defensive MVP: Isaiah Green, Good Hope

Overall MVP: Matt Dixon, Good Hope

First Team Offense

Quarterback: Rylan Jones, West Point – Dayne Black, Fairview

Running Back: Hunter Persall, West Point – RJ Evans, Hanceville – Tyvn Ellis, Fairview

Receiver: Fred Ellis, Hanceville – Kolton Sapp, West Point – Teague Whatley, Vinemont – Preston Bagwell – Good Hope

Offensive Line: Jacob Ring, Holly Pond – Carson Moon, West Point – Dakota McGraw, Vinemont – Jackson Hancock, Good Hope – Peyton Hill, Good Hope – Jared Bachelor, Fairview – Will Swann, Cold Springs – Tyler Brown, Vinemont

Tight End: Francisco Ayala, Cold Springs – Tyler Boatright, Holly Pond

Athlete: Kyler Chaney, Holly Pond – Dustin Moore, Vinemont

Kicker: Walter Perez, Good Hope

First Team Defense

Defensive Line: Riley Kilpatrick, Good Hope – Colyn Cofield, Holly Pond – Brodie Curvin, Vinemont – Brayden Martin, West Point – Levi Garner, Fairview – Alex Corneglio, Holly Pond

Linebacker: Colton Bagwell, Good Hope – Dylan McDonald, Good Hope – Brody Rusk, West Point – Romael Simmons, Hanceville – Jordan McCormick, Holly Pond

Defensive Back: Levi Farley, West Point – Isaac Ludwig, Holly Pond – Roberto Ayala, Cold Springs – Donte Dumas, Fairview – Matt Schwaiger, Good Hope

Punter: Devan Jennings, Fairview

Second Team Offense

Quarterback: Jack Hill, Vinemont

Running Back: Jeremiah Holmes, Holly Pond – Ayden Alexander, Cold Springs – Dallin Dinkle, Vinemont

Receiver: Mason Black, Fairview – Logan Guthery, Hanceville – Lawson Burgess, Cold Springs

Offensive Line: Logan McKee, Hanceville – Isaac Schwaiger, Holly Pond – Dawson Speegle, Good Hope – Will Bailey, Fairview – Will Akin, Hanceville – Michael Roberts, West Point – Sam Jones, Good Hope

Tight End: Hudson Wood, Vinemont

Athlete: Brody Rowell, Holly Pond – Will Cochran, West Point

Kicker: Daniel Flores-Carreno, Vinemont

Second Team Defense

Defensive Line: Tyler Thompson, West Point – Jayden Perkins, Holly Pond – Ethan Rasco, Good Hope – Austin Knight, Good Hope – Colby Jones, West Point – Travis Hopper, Vinemont – Jacob McClendon, Cold Springs

Linebacker: Levi Boatright, Holly Pond – Caleb Smith, West Point – Jake Griggs, Vinemont – Jared Pugh, Good Hope – Dalton Payne, Fairview

Defensive Back: Johnny Quick, Good Hope – Tanner Malin, Good Hope – Rip McBee, Holly Pond – Whitt Laney, West Point – Parker Martin, Fairview

Honorable Mentions

Tyde Bagwell, Good Hope – Antonio Bautista, Hanceville – Kobe Bowers, West Point – Jager Burns, Good Hope – Anthony Brasher, Vinemont – Will Brown, West Point – Cam Carter, Vinemont – Tristin Cornelius, Hanceville – Cooper Couch, West Point – Mitch Ford, Vinemont – Andy Garcia, Holly Pond –  Erik Giggs, West Point - Riley Gillilan, Holly Pond – Matt Hancock, Good Hope – Bo Joles, Hanceville – Caleb Lambert, Holly Pond – Collin Leathers, Holly Pond – Houston McCarn, Cold Springs – Alex Medina, Fairview – Trevor Pace, Good Hope – Adam Parker, Fairview – Doston Putman, Good Hope – Justin Rasco, Good Hope – Todd Sears, Holly Pond – Tyler Simmons, Holly Pond – Eli Speegle, Fairview – Zeke White, Cold Springs

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Santa Claus rides in style in Saturday’s Good Hope Christmas Parade. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

GOOD HOPE - Postponed from last week due to rain, the Good Hope Christmas Parade went on as scheduled Saturday, after a rainy morning gave way to a cloudy but pleasant afternoon. The parade began at the high school and ended in front of city hall at Municipal Park, where Christmas in the Park festivities, including visits with Santa Claus, were waiting for all to enjoy.

Serving as grand marshal of this year’s parade, Thurman Ryan, a United States Navy veteran who served in the Pacific during World War II, waved at everyone while looking sharp in his dress blue jumper and dress beret. 

The Good Hope Raider and Hanceville Bulldog marching bands performed in the parade, and members of the Good Hope High School football team were met with cheers as they rode by waving at fans. Other participants included the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Good Hope and Dodge City fire departments, Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett and city council members, local churches, and several horses dressed for the holidays. 

As everyone made their way to the park, the Good Hope High School Student Government Association was ready to serve free chili, hot dogs, corn chips and drinks. Several members of the city council, city employees and Bartlett prepared their favorite homemade chili recipes. Who made the best chili was heavily debated.

Councilman Taft Dillashaw joked, “I’m pretty sure I brought the best one,” but he did give the credit to his wife.

Families were treated to train rides, elf photo cutouts and craft tables. Children could make, color and decorate fun ornaments to take home. One tent over was the main attraction- Santa Claus. Kids lined up waiting for their chance to talk to and get pictures with Santa. Santa’s helper made sure every child received cute iced gingerbread men and reindeer food to put out for Rudolph and his pals on Christmas Eve. 

Bartlett was pleased with the turnout, smiling, “I thought for the weather we were dealt that we had a good crowd and we fed everyone some pretty good food.”  

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Gov. Kay Ivey (Office of Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey)

MONTGOMERY - Gov. Kay Ivey launched the year of Alabama’s Bicentennial at the Alabama State Capitol on Friday, saying it will be a year to celebrate and educate.

“We have an opportunity in front of us, and just as Alabamians have done for the past 199 years, we will make the most of that opportunity,” Ivey said. “Alabama is defined by its people. It’s that simple.  As we near our state’s Bicentennial, we recognize that our story of success is told by our people. And that is who we are celebrating: the Alabamians who got us here, all the men and women across our state today and the future generations of Alabamians who will help take us to even greater heights.”

Children from Pell City’s Eden Elementary joined Ivey and Alabama Sen. Arthur Orr, chairman of the Alabama Bicentennial Committee, in previewing some of the more than 400 Bicentennial events that will take place before the Bicentennial’s culmination on Dec. 14, 2019 in Montgomery.  Two hundred schools across the state have been selected as Alabama Bicentennial Schools and are putting on Bicentennial projects. 

Although there are hundreds of public events, Orr said the Bicentennial celebration is also having a huge but more subtle impact on Alabama, from its largest cities to its smallest communities. 

“It’s not just celebrations and festivals,” Orr said. “It’s almost impossible to estimate how many thousands of Alabamians are learning more about the state’s history through touring exhibitions, the journeys they are making using the Alabama PastPort book and app, or through the thousand teachers who will have been instructed on ways to teach Alabama history by the end of the Bicentennial.”

Coca-Cola was on hand Friday to introduce its Alabama Bicentennial Commemorative bottle at the event. Children had their pictures made with Coca-Cola’s famous polar bear icon before the press conference began.

A list of some of the key upcoming events was made available at the announcement. 

During the next 365 days, 225 cities, towns and communities across the state will hold more than 400 events.

The events include everything from celebrating the 50th anniversary of Alabama’s role in landing a man on the moon to revealing a replica that will show modern Alabamians for the first time what the state’s first capitol looked like in Old Cahawba.

There will be a release of a U.S. Postal Service Alabama Bicentennial forever stamp, special concerts throughout the state, a Native American Bicentennial event in Moundville, the opening of Huntsville’s newly renovated Constitution Village, a tour involving Alabama’s most important documents, events honoring Alabama veterans and the culmination of the year-long celebration in Montgomery with the dedication of the Bicentennial Park in front of the Capitol.

Learn more at www.Alabama200.org.

Photo courtesy of Fairview High School/Playbill

FAIRVIEW - Fairview High School will present "Scenes, Sweets, and Songs" on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. at the school. The program will begin with the theater department’s production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” in the auditorium. Afterward, desserts, coffee and hot chocolate will be served by the food innovations class before the bands perform their Christmas concerts back in the auditorium. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and children and will be available at the door.

The play is “the same as the cartoon that we all grew up watching on television,” said Mark Dobbs, theater teacher at Fairview High.

The band concerts will feature the Fairview Middle School and High School bands under the direction of Nathan Kilgo. The middle school’s program will feature classics like "Here Comes Santa Claus" and "White Christmas," along with a medley featuring familiar Christmas melodies called "Santa at the Symphony,” said Kilgo, and will end with "a multicultural arrangement of the traditional 'Ukrainian Bell Carol' titled 'African Bell Carol.'”

The high school band program will feature music from "A Charlie Brown Christmas," along with a classic, Leroy Anderson’s "Sleigh Ride," with a beautiful arrangement of "Silent Night." The show will finish with a musical piece called "Celtic Carol" that is based on the traditional melody of "What Child is This."

Both Sunday and Monday's performances will feature the Fairview Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Caleb Garrison, performing surprise selections.

“Monday’s show also includes the premiere performance of the Fairview Beginner Band,” said Kilgo. “This is a tradition that we would like to start and continue over the years, to have a theater Christmas performance, some sort of refreshments and the Fairview band concerts all in one venue.”

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Liam Pepper, age 3, poses with the giant teddy bear he won Saturday night at the 2018 Baileyton Christmas Celebration. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

BAILEYTON - Christmas cheer was in abundance Saturday evening in Baileyton. The 2018 Baileyton Christmas Celebration was held at the town’s senior center. The celebration is sponsored by the Town of Baileyton and this year saw a huge turnout.

Families were treated to free hot dogs, hamburgers, cookies, chips and drinks. They also had popcorn, nachos, snow cones and candy, along with bags of fruit for everyone to take home. Mayor Johnny Dyar checked on each table to make sure everyone had plenty.

The Baileyton Town Council had to work especially hard this year while planning this year’s celebration. Council members Windell Calloway, Wendell Peterson, Greg Griffin, Gene Sumner, Myra Martin and Town Clerk Patricia Gilbert made sure members of their community would still have a great event despite not being awarded a grant from Wal-Mart that helped in years past. 

There were tables of stuffed animals, toys, purses, blankets, shoes and other gifts for all the children and families to take home. Each child received a fun coloring book. A drawing was held to pick winners for three  large stuffed toys. A stuffed penguin and a large white tiger were donated by Michelle Sumner. A giant plush teddy bear was the grand prize donated by Billy Fletcher. Bobby Waller’s 3-year-old grandson, Liam Pepper, won the giant bear.

Liam smiled and said, “I’m happy!”

The mayor’s wife, Pat Dyar, smiled, “The people love this event. They start asking me about it months before and I constantly look for great deals on toys and things for the kids. Johnny works really hard and loves his town. He gets up every morning and puts on his overalls and does everything he can for Baileyton and the people.” 

Martin, Patricia Peterson, Pat Dyar and many others helped in the kitchen. The men of the council grilled the burgers and hot dogs, and Gilbert took photos of guests with Santa. 

The line to see Santa wrapped around the room for much of the night, but guests didn’t appear to mind the wait as many danced and sang along with Ray Kent and Jim Fisher, who provided live music. The duo took a break from singing to let members of the crowd sing karaoke to their Christmas favorites. 

Martin shared, “I think this might be our biggest crowd yet.” 

Mayor Dyar added, “This is a great turnout, and everyone is smiling and having a great time. This is our sixth year. The first two years were at the park, but we moved it here and it’s much better. I love seeing everyone coming together. This is what it’s all about.” 

Gene and Rebecca Sumner, Dewayne and Susan Sumner, and Jim and Michelle Fisher gave the fruit and drinks for the celebration rather than purchase gifts for each other this Christmas.

Pat Dyar said, “Many people donated to make this all possible, but these families we especially want to thank.”

This Thursday, Dec. 20 at 11:30 a.m. the Baileyton Seniors' Christmas Dinner will take place at the town’s senior center. The dinner will be provided by Walker Brothers and catered by Kims Parkside Catfish Restaurant. There will be many fun activities at the party. 

On Dec. 24, Kims Parkside Catfish Restaurant invites the community for Christmas Eve Dinner from 5-8 p.m.. The invitation is for people in need or just for fellowship. The meal is free, but the restaurant asks those who can bring canned or non-perishable food items for the Parkside Outreach Program. 

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Pat Sharpton, 2019 president of the Cullman County Master Gardeners, encourages everyone to consider joining the program.  (contributed)

In this creative weekly series, local author, artist and all-around entertaining and eccentric (not to mention classy!) Southern gentleman Ben Johnson South introduces Cullman Tribune readers to the creative thinkers and doers in the Cullman community.

“10 Things from a Tribune Tastemaker”

This week, meet Pat Sharpton, 2019 president of the Cullman County Master Gardeners

“MAKE CULLMAN EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL IN 2019” is a New Year’s message from Cullman County Master Gardeners President Pat Sharpton. Growing up a U.S. Air Force kiddo, Pat has lived in many places. She finished high school in Savannah, Georgia and completed undergraduate school at Emory University (Atlanta). A newcomer to Cullman, moving here in 2013, Pat read a local newspaper article (“YAY, NEWSPAPERS!”) encouraging people to become a Master Gardener. She is a retired science teacher with a master’s degree but admits she “could not seem to be successful with plants.”

Shared Pat, “Once in the Master Gardeners class, I found out I was skipping over the basics, starting with having the right soil!”

She added,  “An important reason for joining Master Gardeners is the wealth of gardening knowledge you gain from other members and their willingness to share their expertise and plants.”

Here are 10 things from this Cullman County Master Gardener as we head into a beautiful new year.

1. CHAMBERS FARM AND GARDEN SUPPLY, GIBBS NURSERY, MUSTARD SEED NURSERY, BIG CEDAR NURSERY—superb Cullman gardening sources
2. CELEBRATE 200 YEARS OF ALABAMA GARDENING—2019 is our Bicentennial and Cullman County Master Gardeners are reimagining the Richter Chapel (downtown) landscaping as a salute
3. INTROVERTS & EXTROVERTS—Master Gardeners have opportunities for gardening with others and gardening in solitude
4. GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR MASTER GARDENER CLASS AND LOCAL NURSERIES—great Holiday 2018 gift suggestions
5. MONET’S GARDEN PAINTINGS—Pat’s favorite gardening works of art
6. ALABAMA GARDENER MAGAZINE—great FREE read at the Cullman County Public Library
7. THOMAS JEFFERSON’S GARDENS (Monticello, Virginia)—a major garden adventure on her “bucket list”
8. OUTDOOR GARDEN CLASSROOMS—grow a new generation of gardeners; Pat volunteers with the North Alabama AGRIPLEX at West Elementary School
9. BLOOMIN’ FEST, DEMO GARDEN, RAIN GARDEN, FESTHALLE POWER OF PRODUCE, RAISED BED GARDENS AT THE FAIRGROUNDS—opportunities for Cullman County garden enthusiasts to give to the community
10. BECOME A MASTER GARDENER IN 2019—Call the Cullman County Extension Office at 256-737-9386; classes begin in late-January; cost is $125 before Jan. 1 and $150 after.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

From the files of 1905:

Mark S. Chance is visiting friends in Georgia.

John Burden, of Baileyton, was in the city today.

Willie Griffin is attending the summer formal at Falkville.

Professor A.B. Murphree, who has been teaching at Flint, is again at home.

Charles Deppe and C.C. Whaley went to the Magic City on Wednesday.

Mrs. R.M. Brown and children spent the past week, at Joppa, with relatives.

Miss Alice Cottingham, of South Carolina, is visiting her brother, Doctor W.J. Cottingham.

Walter King, of the Montgomery Advertiser, was here with friends on Sunday.

There was not more than a third of a crop of strawberries this year.

Reverend L.T. Reeves and Howard Halbrook attended commencement at Howard College this week.

Tom Callahan, Junior and Misses Pearl and Etta Warren, of Arkadelphia visited the G. Scott Leeth family.

A little son of Mr. and Mrs. A.F. Stinson, while climbing a tree, caught a live telephone wire and was unable to turn loose. Neighbors soon rescued him, without injury.

Mr. and Mrs. John Sparks were guests of the R.B. Sparks on Sunday. The latter couple has a baby boy.

Mrs. S.P. Daniel, of Holly Pond, is ill.

A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Dayton Holmes, of Katie, last week.

Mrs. H. Arnold and children, of Cullman, visited Mrs. H. Rehling, on Sunday, at Gays Chapel.

Jesse Howell was thrown from his horse on Monday and broke his leg, between and hip and knee.

From the files of 1935:
The Gold Medal for General Excellence was awarded to Jane Dodson at the Sacred Heart Academy Commencement on Tuesday. Highest scholastic average awards went to Anna Lee Veigh, first; Ruth Fehler, second, senior class; Marie Eckl, first; Clara Price, second, junior class; Helen Leigeber, first, Melda Ponder, second, sophomore class and Alma Price, first, Anna Margaret Karter, second, freshman class.

Bland Motor Company, Cullman’s New Ford Dealer, will move into the Fuller Brother’s Building on Fourth Street. Bland succeeds Mattingly Motors Company as the Ford Dealer here.

Mrs. Alfred Newman will leave on Saturday for her home in Baltimore, Maryland, after a visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Racke.

From the files of 1955:

Mrs. John Christian entertained at her home on Sunday, honoring Mrs. James T. Odell, of Evansville, Indiana. Guests were: Mr. and Mrs. Niles Land and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Meyer and Linda and Mrs. Maude Jackson, all of Birmingham; Mr. and Mrs. Clarke Keller and family, of Cullman; Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Keller and family, of Gadsden; Mr. and Mrs. Max Meyer and family, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Morgan and family, Mr. and Mrs. Jackie Morgan and children, Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Cobb and family and Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Keller, all of Hanceville and the honoree.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Cullman's Cheer Team celebrates after capturing its third consecutive state championship on Saturday. (Gary McGriff for The Cullman Tribune)

HANCEVILLE - The annual AHSAA Alabama State Cheer Competition finals were held Saturday at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville. Schools were represented from all over Alabama, from Muscle Shoals to Mobile, Opp to Scottsboro and all points in between.

A large crowd was in attendance to encourage all the teams from across the state. Three Cullman County schools participated: Good Hope Middle, Good Hope High and Cullman High. In the Varsity Co-ed division, Good Hope High School took the runner-up honors, and in the Varsity 6A division, Cullman High School won its third straight state championship.

2018 state results

Varsity Co-Ed

Sparkman High School           

Good Hope High School          

JV Co-Ed

Sparkman High School           

Varsity Non-Building

Mary G. Montgomery               

2A Varsity - Traditional

Fyffe High School                   

3A Varsity - Traditional

Opp High School                     

Winfield High School                 

4A Varsity - Traditional

Brooks High School                 

North Jackson High School       

5A Varsity - Traditional

Arab High School                   

Boaz High School                   

6A Varsity - Traditional

Cullman High School               

Hazel Green High School         

7A Varsity - Traditional

Hoover High School               

Vestavia Hills High School       

Junior Varsity - Traditional

Athens High School                 

Thompson High School             

Large Junior High - Traditional

Hewitt-Trussville Middle School 

Thompson Middle School         

Small Junior High - Traditional

Liberty Middle School               

Scottsboro Junior High             

1A-3A Varsity - Game Day

Opp High School              

Sheffield High School               

4A-5A Varsity - Game Day

Cordova High School               

Tallassee High School               

6A-7A Varsity - Game Day

Thompson High School             

Huntsville High School             

Junior High - Game Day

Thompson Middle School          

Liberty Middle School                       

Junior Varsity - Game Day

Spain Park High School            

Vestavia Hills High School  

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 

Oscar Glasscock (Photo courtesy of The Arab Tribune)

Updated 12-17-18 at 9:26 a.m.

CULLMAN– After a vote from the Cullman City Board of Education at a special called meeting Monday morning, Cullman High School officially hired former Arab head football coach Oscar Glasscock to take over as head coach of the Bearcats next fall. Glasscock was unable to attend the meeting, but CHS Principal Kim Hall was on-hand to give an introduction.

“We are excited to announce that coach Oscar Glasscock has been officially approved as the next head football coach at Cullman High School. He had some loose ends to tie up today and was not able to be with us, but we’re excited to have him on board back at his home,” Hall said. “He has worked under football greats in the state of Alabama like Mike Bates, Mark Britton, Bob Godsey up at Hartselle, Chris Yeager at Mountain Brook and Alvin Briggs up in Florence, so we’re excited to have that lineage and all that he brings to Cullman High School and we’re ready to hit the ground running. He will start officially in January.”

Cullman City Schools Superintendent Dr. Susan Patterson also gave a statement on Glasscock’s return to his alma mater.

“We are excited to have Coach Glasscock back at Cullman High," said Patterson. "He brings a successful coaching background having served at several quality programs across the state. Being a graduate and former assistant at Cullman High, he is an excellent addition to our school system.”

Glasscock graduated from Cullman High School in 1985 and after spending his school days playing on the gridiron for the Bearcats under coaches Jerry Elmore, Jim Pyburn and Dale Cook, he returned to Cullman as an assistant coach for several years under head coaches Mike Bates and Mark Britton. Glasscock’s 2003 Bearcat defense allowed just 6.3 points per game. He left Cullman after the 2006 season to take over as defensive coordinator at Calera, where his defense ranked first out of 10 Shelby County teams, allowing only nine points per game in four playoff games. Glasscock accepted a position at Cordova the following year and in his two years with the Blue Devils they improved from 49th in the state in scoring defense in 2008 to 13th in 2009. Glasscock was also an offensive assistant during the 2008 season, helping lead a unit that held the overall state record for total offense for several years. Glasscock served as an assistant at Hartselle High School when the Tigers won a 5A state championship in 2012 and his 2013 unit held opponents to 72 rushing yards per game and allowed just five total rushing touchdowns in 11 games. He left Hartselle after the 2016 season to accept the defensive coordinator job at Mountain Brook where he had one returning starter but was able to help lead the Spartans into the postseason and the top 10 in 2017.

Overall, Glasscock has compiled a record of 145-54 in his 17 years as a coordinator with 15 playoff appearances including three region championships, two quarterfinals appearances, a semifinal appearance and a Super Six finals appearance.

Glasscock was hired to his first head coaching position in March when he accepted the job at Arab High School, compiling a 1-9 record in his first season with the Knights.

At Cullman, Glasscock is replacing head coach Matt Plunkett who resigned in November after a 3-7 season.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Cullman County’s Cloyce Talmadge Drake; the Indian motorcycle Drake drove to Ft. Rucker (contributed)

It was Jan. 7, 1943 when 19-year-old Cloyce Talmadge Drake was inducted into the United States Army. Having been drafted, he arrived at Ft. Benning, Georgia and couldn’t possibly have envisioned what he would experience over the next three years.

Upon completion of basic training, Drake was assigned to Company I of the 35th Division of the 320th Infantry. His unit was sent to San Luis Obispo, California for training. They went by train and the trip took an entire week.

While in California, Drake became very ill. He was diagnosed with spinal meningitis. Several of his fellow soldiers also came down with meningitis and were hospitalized. He was in the hospital for at least a month and was even unconscious for several days. He shared a room with another soldier who was very homesick. The other soldier would cry while Drake wrote and received letters from home. The soldier did not know how to read and write and once Drake realized that, he would write letters for him and read letters he got in return.

Once Drake was well enough to leave the hospital and travel, he was able to come home to Cullman County on a 30-day sick leave. During his leave the 35th Division was sent to Ft. Rucker, Alabama. Though it had been suggested to Drake that his illness could get him out of going to war, he chose to join his fellow soldiers at Ft. Rucker.

He shared, “I never made it a habit to lie, so I didn’t figure I would start.”

The 35th Division left Ft. Rucker and participated in the Second Army Tennessee Maneuvers from Nov. 22, 1943 to Jan. 17, 1944 where it received mountain warfare training. This training was new to units other than those in the Mountaineer Division. The training hoped to better prepare the soldiers for the conditions they were likely to face in the war.

Drake said, “We left Rucker and went to Tennessee for special maneuvers. They took us up there in trucks. We slept out there through the winter months. It was cold. There was snow and it was rough. It taught you how to take care of yourself out in that weather. When I got over there fighting, I lived in the snow out in the forest. Every night I slept outside. We all had shelter halves. We would pitch tents and sleep five men to a tent or bed. We would take the shelters, put three on the ground and covered ourselves with the other two. We would sleep five men to a bed. Them guys would fuss about who was going to sleep with me saying I was just like a heater to them. They’d finally wind up putting me in the middle.”

Once the division had completed the maneuvers in Tennessee it was ready for overseas. The division went to Camp Butner, North Carolina where Drake enjoyed playing basketball. He considered himself to be quite good at basketball. Soon after, he traveled to Camp Kilmer, New Jersey to board a ship to England.

Drake and the other approximately 160 members of his unit boarded the Edmond B. Alexander for London. The trip took two weeks, as the ships carrying service members would maneuver strategically while enroute. When they arrived in London, Drake and the members of the 35th Division met and were interviewed by several generals who were curious about the new training they had received in Tennessee.

Soon his company headed to Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, landing 30 days after D-Day. From Omaha Beach, they headed to St. Lo, France for what Drake described as “the worst battle I was ever in.”

To be continued…

Map created by resident Scott Edmondson shows the area in Good Hope (outlined in green) being considered as the new location for Rock the South.

Updated 12-17-18 at 1:27 p.m.

CULLMAN - Rock the South might be changing locations. The Tribune has learned that Premier Productions, which owns the annual self-proclaimed "biggest party in the South," is searching for a new home for the behemoth event, with hopes of purchasing property somewhere in Cullman County.

One location being considered is in the city of Good Hope on approximately 120 acres on County Road 616 near Interstate 65.

"They are considering us, but they are considering other places, too," said Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett. "We would hate to see this concert leave Cullman County, because it makes a lot of money for all of us."

Shared  Bartlett, "As everyone knows, Rock the South has outgrown Heritage Park. They are looking and considering looking for a place of their own. I saw a Facebook post where it said to put it at the Burrow property (on County Road 222). The Burrow property is owned by the City of Cullman. Rock the South would like to have a place of their own. Before anything like this were to happen, there has to be soil samples and they have to be sure it can fit on the property and the property is conducive. There has to be a lot of planning done to make sure this is feasible."

Monday morning, resident Scott Edmondson took to Facebook to express his concerns over the property in Good Hope:

Bartlett, however, reiterated that Rock the South organizers are taking into account roadways and access, saying, "They're not going to want a piece of property that they can't use and they can't get 50,000 people in and out of."

The Cullman Tribune has confirmed that Rock the South has not signed a location contract for its 2019 show, which is set for May 31-June 1.

Early Monday afternoon, Rock the South issues the following statement:

Over the past couple of years, Rock the South has looked at various pieces of property all over Cullman County for a possible venue change for Rock the South. 

Any possible location undergoes a strenuous examination process including soil testing, wetlands survey, traffic studies, public safety engagement, resident engagement, and much more. Initial testing has been done on multiple pieces of property this year (and other years) within Cullman County. At this point, studies are still being completed on multiple pieces of property.

We appreciate your continuous support and are excited to announce the biggest lineup ever for Rock the South 2019 soon!

Cullman City Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism Executive Director Nathan Anderson said his department has no comment at this time.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported on Dec. 17, 2018. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

Thursday, Dec. 13

Brizendine, Christopher Neal, 44

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Calloway, Jeffery Craig, 35

• FTA- leaving the scene- misdemeanor

Chandler, Tony Dale, 48

• first-degree theft of property

Copeland, Dakota William Mich, 23

• second-degree theft of property
• third-degree theft of property

Copeland, Makaliah Ryanne, 21

• second-degree theft of property
• third-degree theft of property

Cruz, Sarah Corina, 24

• first-degree burglary

Goodwin, Tonia Dean, 46

• FTA- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Gordon, Erica Sharee Overton, 29

• FTA- fourth-degree theft of property

Graves, Damon Kyle, 26

• possession of drug paraphernalia
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance

James, Angel Mercedes, 22

• attempting to elude
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance

McKinnon, Roger Lawrence, 55

• attempting to elude
• third-degree elder abuse and neglect
• first-degree receiving stolen property

Reno, Alison Rene, 32

• unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Scheffer, Gregory Keaton, 24

• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Schubert, Steven Matthew Jr., 34

• third-degree receiving stolen property
• second-degree theft of property

Shirley, Zachary Christopher, 26

• third-degree criminal trespassing

Stewart, Mary Elizabeth, 33

• possession of drug paraphernalia
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Walker, Bubba Wayne, 44

• possession of drug paraphernalia
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance
• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Warren, Avaleana Naomi, 28

• negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument (4 counts)

Winstead, Steven Micheal, 18

• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Friday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 16

Brooks, Jessica Lee, 37

• illegal possession of alcohol
• public intoxication

Carney, Billy Christopher, 41

• third-degree domestic violence- harassment

Champion, James Robert, 37

• FTA- driving while suspended

Cone, Taylor Dianna, 28

• third-degree domestic violence third-degree assault

Davis Michael Jacob, 29

• possession of drug paraphernalia
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance

England, Breanna Nicole, 33

• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Hill, Matthew Lee, 34

• FTA- giving false name to law enforcement
• FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia
• FTA- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
• FTA- unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle

Hinds, Trisha Diana, 43

• FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia

Hubbard, Sunnie Danielle, 31

• third-degree burglary
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Jenkins, Donald Earl II, 20

• unlawful possession of a controlled substance
• violation of a domestic violence protection order

Limbaugh, Oscar Brian, 44

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Lindner, William Adam, 61

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Little, Benjamin Jabron, 38

• third-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument
• third-degree forgery

Lovell, William Jason, 36

• FTA- driving while revoked
• second-degree theft of property

Millwood, Joshua E., 28

• FTA- attempting to elude
• FTA- harassing communications
• FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia
• FTA- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
• FTA- unauthorized use of a vehicle

Niles, James David, 29

• writ of arrest- child support

Rice, Chad Dalewin, 46

• GJ- second-degree domestic violence

Riggs, Kevin Edward, 32

• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Ross, Brandon James, 25

• third-degree theft of property

Self, Jerica Lynn, 26

• FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia
• FTA- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Smith, Daniel Scott, 23

• FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia
• FTA- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Tanner, James Isaac Jr., 26

• FTA- liability insurance required

Thompson, Timothy Ari, 25

• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Thompson, Walter Neal, 33

• third-degree burglary
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Turner, Jason Lavan, 41

• trafficking in methamphetamine
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Cullman Police Department

Friday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 16

Givens, Jason H., 41

• FTA- DUI
• FTA- driving while revoked

Patterson, John R. Jr. 23

• FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia

James, Brandy N., 26

• DUI

Ford, Jessica D., 23

• third-degree criminal trespassing

Little, Benjamin J., 38

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Baker, Mary M., 34

• fourth-degree theft of property

Troxell, Michael B., 35

• possession of drug paraphernalia

South, Jason H., 41

• second-degree receiving stolen property
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Sisk, Danny H., 47

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Hill, Matthew L., 34

• identity theft
• third-degree forgery (3 counts)
• third-degree possession of a forged instrument (3 counts)
• possession of a forgery device
• fraudulent use of a credit or debit card
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Lovett, Steven A., 30

• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Smith, Carron D. 56

• FTA- public intoxication
• FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia

Tucker, Shona N., 31

• fourth-degree theft of property

Hanceville Police Department

No arrests reported.

Find arrest reports online Monday-Friday at www.CullmanTribune.com.

Left to right, top: James Tyler Hinman, Asia Ryan Graham, Justin Dwayne Turner

Left to right, bottom: Christina Louise Karrer, Matt Hill, Jake Aaron Williams

(Cullman Police Department)

CULLMAN - The Cullman Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) has made multiple drug and forgery arrests recently.

Arrested in Hanceville were James Tyler Hinman, 37, and Asia Ryan Graham, 28, both of Hanceville. The pair was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

The pair was arrested after CSU members executed a search warrant at the couple’s residence and allegedly recovered approximately 4 ounces of methamphetamine, approximately 389 grams of marijuana, 20 alprazolam pills, tramadol pills, carisoprodol  pills, heroin, marijuana wax, drug paraphernalia and a handgun. 

Hinman and Graham were transported to the Cullman County Detention Center and have since been released.

In a separate case, the CSU arrested Justin Dwayne Turner, 36, and Christina Louise Karrer, 34, both of Hanceville, charging them with reckless endangerment and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance for allegedly selling methamphetamine. 

Both Turner and Karrer were booked in at the Cullman County Detention Center and have since been released. 

In a third case, said a release from the CPD, the CSU observed a pickup in the Shell Station parking lot on U.S. Highway 31 South and recognized Matt Hill, 34, of Falkville, in the vehicle. Hill had outstanding felony warrants. 

The CPD said Hill sped off, leaving the area, but officers were able to locate the vehicle at the Kensington Station apartment complex. When officers approached, Hill was gone from the vehicle.  The subject inside the vehicle was identified as Jake Aaron Williams, 30, of Hanceville.  

A Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) K-9 deputy responded to the scene where the K-9 allegedly alerted to the odor of narcotics inside the vehicle.  During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered drug paraphernalia along with multiple items related to identity theft, forgery and forgery devices. 

Recovered were a printer, multiple blank checks, driver’s licenses, credit/debit cards, social security information and banking account information as well as names, addresses and phone numbers. 

Williams was arrested for identity theft, third-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia,  third-degree forgery (multiple counts), criminal possession of a forgery device and illegal possession of a credit/debit card. 

Williams was transported to the Cullman County Detention Center where he remains incarcerated. 

Hill was later located and arrested on the same charges, as well as his outstanding warrants. 

Hill also remains incarcerated at the Cullman County Detention Center. 

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